Annabel Lee Tavern

$$, D, Out, 10 p.m.

This little corner tavern named for an Edgar Allan Poe poem is a handsome space to enjoy a beer and good conversation. The menu offers tasty upscale fare—duck-fat fries and orange roughy tacos—without hitting your wallet with upscale prices. Brunch on Sundays when the weather’s right.

With a list of more than 40 varieties of wine both red and white, this is a great joint for oenophiles of all stripes. But the creative menu of pub fare will suit most anybody.

Blue Hill Tavern

$$$, L, D, Out, R

Blue Hill, under the watchful eye of Mr. Boh on Conkling Street, features some pretty gourmet entrees for adventurous palates. We’re talking seared macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi and pecan-crusted tuna. But there’s also creative takes on staples such as the tavern burger and pork tenderloin.

Captain James Crabhouse and Restaurant

$$$, B, L, D, Out, 10 p.m.

In case you didn’t already know, this is that big, ship-shaped building on Boston Street. If you’ve never ventured inside, you should, because the cap’n serves up generous portions all around—lobster tails, New York strip steak, uh, fake ships—you name it.

The Chasseur

$$$, L, D, Br, Out, 10 p.m.

Most of the items at this nautically inspired New American spot fall under the comfort-food category. Some—like the steak and egg that turns out to be hand-cut steak tartare topped with a quail egg—have a slight twist. Prices veer toward expensive, but portions are generous.

DiPasquale’s

$, L

This real-deal Italian market and deli is full of treasures, including the salads, meats, cheeses, spreads, and especially the insanely good sandwiches, like the “old world Italian,” with soppressata, dry-cured capicola, prosciutto, fontinella cheese, tomato, and house-made olive spread on foccacia.

Eichenkranz Restaurant

$$, B, L, D

Sure, there are plenty of seafood, poultry, and beef entrees at Eichenkranz. But this is one of the few German restaurants in town! Be sure to go in on some of the schnitzel, wurst, or any of the other house specialties.

Fork and Wrench

$$$, Br, D

The steampunk-themed decor and antique lightbulbs create a suitable ambiance for this edgy star of the Canton scene. Adventurous appetizers include roasted bone marrow as well as an octupus-and-kale salad.

Ikaros

$$, L, D, Out, R

We named this the “Best Greek Restaurant” in 2010, and it hasn’t done anything to lose favor with us since. They ace all the classics—Greek salad, stuffed grape leaves, braised lamb—and have killer baklava for dessert.

Looney’s Pub

$$, L, D, Br, Out, 10 p.m.

With outposts as far out as Bel Air and College Park now under the Looney’s umbrella, it’s clear they’re doing something right. You won’t find too much beyond the standard bar fare, but what they serve is cheap and hearty.

Mama’s on the Half Shell

$$$, L, D, Br, Out

A classic-style oyster house where you can get your oysters grilled, fried, on the half shell, on horseback, or as part of a peppercorn-flavored oyster stew. Also home to some of the best crushes in the city.

Marquee Lounge

$$, D

The small menu at the bar/restaurant inside the Creative Alliance emphasizes local and seasonal foods. Options might include chicken pot pie, coddies, or a curry veggie noodle bowl. The convivial space is also a good place for a drink, with cocktails infused with herbs and fruit elixirs, and a wide-ranging beer list.